The traditional family in the United States is struggling. The church in America will see a generation in which the product of the family influence will be unpredictable. And although these influences may be unpredictable, we can expect difficult news for those born in the years 1977 to 1994, known as the Bridger generation.

A difficult environment is shaping an entire generation, 72 million strong. Broken families, divorce, absentee fathers and mothers, diminishing time between parents and children, and family violence are among the negative forces that will play a major role in how this generation will function as adults.

Though it is too early to reach conclusions about the impact of the family on the Bridgers (the youngest Bridgers were just born in 1994), we can observe the older segment of this generation and make some preliminary comments.

A Different Bunch

These Bridgers present an interesting paradox in matters of sexual morality. While they have a liberal view of sex, they also fear the harmful consequences of no-rules sex, such as AIDS.

The Bridgers are also more materialistic than their predecessors. As they reach their teens, we are seeing more of them working part-time than any youth generation this century. Their religion may become wealth and material gain.

The Bridgers could also become the first generation in which the majority of its members take Prozac or other treatments for depression. This generation experiences stress over everything conceivable: schedules, appearances, weight, grades, family problems, popularity, and uncertainty about decisions.

Many Bridgers are coping with stress and depression by experimenting with alcohol and other drugs. The most frequent reasons for the young people of this generation trying drugs are related in some way to family problems that will just not go away.

Perhaps the greatest threat to the Bridgers in their family environment is the absence of Christian truth claims. A majority of adults today reject absolute truth. And this lack of belief system is even more prevalent with the parents of Bridgers.

The second largest generation in history is growing up in homes with no moral certainty, no absolutes, no sense of why right is right and wrong is wrong, and no certain hope for eternal life and God's abiding presence today. Christians can despair about the current state of religion or lack of religion in our generation, or the church can see this moment as an opportunity to win a generation before they turn to other belief systems.

Throughout history, the church has confronted a society whose values are antithetical to the values of Christ. But the church has responded in reaching past generations. How will we respond today? Let us look at three starting points for reaching a generation that has experienced the most tumultuous family environment in our nation's history.

Provide a Safe Haven

With family problems increasing, many Bridgers will be drawn to a place where unconditional love and acceptance abound. They will go to the churches whose ministries say, "I care for you" instead of asking for something.

A large number of the Bridgers, because of their broken family situations, will be among the walking wounded. The church has a rare opportunity to meet these needs and share the love of a Savior who can meet their greatest need by providing a safe haven.

Proclaim the Good News

Churches that reach the Bridgers will be gospel or good-news churches. Their proclamation will not compromise the message of Jesus Christ. In the turmoil of broken families, Bridgers will come to churches that communicate the message that Jesus saves.

Many churches offer well-intentioned, needs-based ministries. Yet, in too many cases, the person in need is never confronted with the truth claims of Christ.

While we desire to touch the broken lives of Bridgers, our limited human capacities never could provide what this generation ultimately needs. Quite frankly, as every generation before them, the Bridgers need Jesus. We have only touched superficial needs when the gospel is not presented.

Provide Clear, Biblical Teaching

The pattern of the New Testament calls for an uncompromising teaching of Scripture. The early church in Acts, in the midst of the unbelieving population in Jerusalem, "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching" (Acts 2:42). And that unwavering stand did not prevent the church from reaching thousands.

The Bridgers must hear the clear and convictional teachings of God's Word. They must hear God's plan for the family, for marriage, and for parental responsibility. They must know the consequences of living against God's plan, even if they were raised in an environment that taught otherwise. Our churches must indeed become safe havens for hurting Bridgers, but those havens must have clear and convictional boundaries.